As we finished up, ready for a new (and busy) day, I noticed that Daiyu’s stats were creeping up, slowly but noticeably. That seemed to support my hypothesis that the biggest cause of stat gains from iiher was when the Silver Cord and Chakra work improved, as now her malformed root and sacral chakras were restored, her Chakra work was superior to before, much like the Eight Moons Chakra work. I’ll have to keep an eye on it, but everything checks out.

  I took a quick shower, not having time for a bath, and as I stepped out, Shiro said goodbye, as she was heading back to the Boundary to buff the Tree, and then she was going to grab some sleep. Stifling a yawn, she pihat I’d kept her up all night, in her usual teasing manner.

  “Sure I did. You didn’t have to stay and watch.” I said dryly.

  “I did. We all did, Aki.” Shiro disagreed. She turo Eri. “What are you doing today? More schoolwork?”

  “No, I’m up to date ohing. It’s not too long until the winter break, and then all I’ll have to worry about are my final exams. I think I’ll take one for a top Uy.”

  That surprised us. “Are you actually thinking of going to Uy then?” Shiro asked. “If you were, I thought you’d go to the same one as Aki’s sister.”

  “No, I’m not pnning on going. But I do want to challenge myself, and being able to pass a top exam will be useful, if I ever o market myself. I ’t just stay in Akio’s shadow forever. Otherwise I’ll look pitiful pared to some of his other wives.”

  “You know, you go if you want...” I began, but Eri merely ughed.

  “No, I’m happy enough here and now. I’d rather do more hands-on learning, really. I was thinking of asking Haru-san if she could put in a good word so I could do an internship at the Ministry. Sometimes I feel a bit left out when everyone is discussing such important matters.”

  I see. It’s good that Eri’s got moals than just living with me. I think that’s healthier. “I’ll ask her too. So, you never did say what you’re doing today?”

  Hyath then came bustling over, pushing Eri’s wheelchair. Seeing my puzzled look, Eri sighed. “I don’t want to overstress myself. I wouldn’t want to set back my recovery. Hyath has kindly offered to apa.”

  “Yes, dooo not worry, I will look after mistress Eri! Anyooone who tries to cause trouble Hyath will reduce tooo dust and rot!” she puffed out her chest proudly.

  “I’d rather you don’t turn Tokyo into a wastend.” I ughed nervously. “No, I’m sure you know restraint. So, where are the two of you going?”

  “I’m actually meeting Hinata’s grandfather.” Eri said, surprising me. “He’s invited us to look around the new house we’ll be living in. Everyone else is busy though.”

  I see. That shouldn’t be dangerous, especially with Hyath as a guard. “I’ve already tasked Karen- with what we need. Maybe you should take her too?”

  As we discussed that, Shiro left for the Boundary. Shaeu was already gone, matters of the Court to deal with, including arranging the long-awaited meetiween me and her father, Prince Shaetanao. That makes me nervous. Daiyu was expl her new gains and was trying tthen her Qi Perception by feeling the differences irength as her stats caught up with her new work. And as for, Ixitt and the rest, they all have their tasks…

  “Me, I’ve got a stressful day. I’m due to meet Motoko’s grandfather to discuss some military matters, and then…” I looked down at my phone. When I checked it, I had a message from Arisu-san, finally returning my call, so I had arrao meet her at the temporary Ministry building to go over the proposals. I’m not sure which is scarier, talking to Arisu-san about this, or meeting Prince Shaetanao. Sadly, I have to do both anyway…

  Putting it off would do no good, so after some final farewells, I was off, a driver from Fujiwara Security Services waiting to take me into Tokyo proper…

  ********

  “So, what brings you here, Suzu-san?” I asked the blonde, fn girl who was one of my Vassals, as she sipped at the mug of hot tea in front of her. As usual, she’s dressed goth-loli. It does really suit her, but…

  “Oh, I thought I’d e and give Arisu- here my support!” Suzu-san said, smiling. “It’s a super heart-warming story, a poor womarayed, then finally getting to take revenge, crush her enemies aroy their lives!” she giggled softly. And there’s that but… she’s definitely rather… wild. That theory that all of us Chosen have… etric… personalities seems to be gathering evideoo.

  “Suzanne-san…” Arisu-san said coldly, eyeing her panion. “… enough. I do not find the subject amusing.”

  “Sorry!” Suzu-san said, though she seemed to be letting Arisu-san’s anger wash over her. “You know I’m on your side, right? The boss too. Speaking of, where is she?”

  “Busy.” I ughed. “Shiro is levelling up as much as she and training her skills. She’s got new petition too, so she’s putting in the effort. You know, Shiro hates to lose, she be quite stubborn.” She never would have goo Ue her failih, abandoning her family, otherwise.

  “I see.” Arisu-san said. Today she was in a white dress, an unusual colour for her, but with her long dark hair, harsh features and bck eyes that seemed to su the light, she resembled some sort of Fae, or perhaps an entress from old myths. “I am still surprised she works so hard for you. That girl is ily selfish. But fair.” She eyed me over the mug of tea she was elegantly sipping from, her poise what one would expect from a famous actress. “I trust you know that if you betray her expectations, I will not remain silent?”

  Beside me, Haru-san shivered a little. She was here with all the relevant dotation and evide was finding Arisu-san’s iy a bit hard to bear. It’ll be fine whe going though. I gently touched her hand, and she looked at me in surprise. I gave her a reassuring smile, before turning bay guest.

  “Arisu-san, as a good friend of Shiro’s I’m grateful to you, and if I ever do betray her, theainly feel free to take retribution, as I’ll deserve it. But I love Shiro, and she loves me. We may not have a ventional love story, but then, we’re not ventional people, are we? Even if we never gaihese powers, Shiro wouldn’t have been able to have a normal retionship. To be ho, I think you should uand if anyone could, Arisu-san. Doing what society expects of us, towing the line… is that happiness? Or is it just a way to let society cheat you, betray you, hurt you? So long as Shiro’s smiling, ughing, having fun… living… then I don’t give a damher what we do is the done or accepted thing. Besides, it’s all above-board and legal anyway.”

  Haru-san and Suzu-san both were stunned by my strong words, Suzu-san blinking her sapphire-blue eyes at me in surprise. For a moment Arisu-san was silent, before she ined her own head in aowledgement, regal as any princess.

  “Yes, you make a point I have sidered before.” She agreed, and Suzu-san chuckled nervously, givihumbs-up and a whispered “You’re a brave one, boss man!” while Haru-san drank her own tea as if she wished she was elsewhere.

  “I know. But… like I said, I’m really happy you care for Shiro so much. She really looks up to you, you know? If I am going down the wrong path, you’re always free to stop me. But for now, Shiro’s enjoying life, and you are more than wele to visit any time. We’ll also be doing a lot more joint w, I think.” I looked at the dotation. “So, what are your thoughts?”

  “I’ve been waiting for this!” Suzu-san cpped her hands together, smiling at me beautifully, and for a moment I was taken aback by her ess, before I shook my head, remembering that this was Suzu-san, and no matter how pretty she was, she was a strange girl. “I’m so happy I’ll finally be making my true debut! Tamami- from Red and White will be there too, and there’s the famous Akiba group…” As she waxed lyrical about the idol groups and bands at the event, I looked at Arisu-san, who gave me a slight smile, her elegant hand reag out and toug the dotation.

  “The evidehat your tacts have gathered is irrefutable. How they obtained some of it, I have no idea…”

  “I don’t ask. I ’t imagi was legal though. But Fujiwara and Ichijou houses both have a lot of banks and financial institutions uheir umbrels, and several of Japan’s major atancy firms are part of the Three Hundred.” That’s why I’m happy my money is and above board. I have te a meeting with my at manager from Midas Gold soon too… damn, I may be running my sed body again, but it doesly give me more hours in the day. Right now it was simple training to hahe time dition and difficulty processing two separate sets of sensory inputs.

  “It is not just financial data either. did shots of my treacherous little kouhai having affairs, my ex-fianvolved with unscrupulous businessmen… it is all too perfect.”

  “I doubt it’s been manufactured, if that’s what you’re implying.” I said, reassuring her. “I think all it es down to is, he was a bastard. Otherwise why would he have screwed you over like that? If someone did that to Aiko or any of my friends… I’d want to punish them.”

  “Punishment. Justice.” she nodded. “I have lived for the day of vindication. Nothing tastes sweeter.” She admitted, and I ged my evaluation of her appearanot an entress, but a cruel witch. I find it hard to bme her though…

  Ign Suzu-san, who was still giggling about the booked attendees for the charity cert, Haru-san spoke up, gathering her ce. “Arisugawa-san, this is an opportunity for you. Not just for revenge…” her expression hardened. “…I uand revenge. I’m not sure if my revenge on the man who… who abused and killed me…” she whispered, and Suzu-san twitched, halting her ramblings, before pstering a smile ba her fad tinuing, though I did notice a gleam of sympathy in her eyes. “…has truly brought me peace, or closure. But… the nightmares, they aren’t as bad as they were. When I see him in my dreams, I also see his end, and I turn away.”

  “My suffering was not so cruel as yours.” Arisu-san snorted. “At least my haughty pride prevented me from suffering more losses, though it blinded me to treachery. I sidered myself rather clever. I enjoy sce, the arts, reading… but instead, I was a fool to trust unwisely. Revenge… is something natural, I think. But as to the rest…”

  “It’s an opportunity.” I crified. “Your ebanou, not only rising again like a phoenix as your enemies burn around you, but also unveiling yourself as one of the Chosen, to be the face of the Japanese ti, alongside me. Then everyone who has ever cast doubt on you, mocked you… well, you’ll have the satisfa of knowing that everything they took from you, you’ve retaken and more, and that they know it too. I think you deserve that, Arisu-san.”

  There was a long moment of silence as she looked at me, her expression inscrutable. The out a bitter ugh. “Do you believe what you are saying, or are these the sort of honeyed words you used to ensnare White and the others?”

  “I mean it.” I said, meeting her gaze calmly. “Arisu-san, you’ve done a lot for Shiro, for me, for the world. And I hope you’ll do more. But… those who do good should be rewarded. And those who work with me will always have my full support, in every problem they have!”

  Suzu-san giggled, Haru-sa out a dry chuckle, and Arisu-san slowly took another sip of her tea, sidering. She then put the mug down and steepled her hands in front of her face, regarding me piergly. Eventually she spoke again. “I think it may be worse that you do mean what you say. You are a dangerous man indeed. I see I shall o watch myself.”

  I ughed nervously at that. Arisu-san? No way, I’d be too terrified of making her angry to sleep soundly. Not that I have much time for sleep nowadays. Sleep. Ugh, I o test out whether I sleep with my Material body while being active with the Astral one. If so, I might be able to use The Future Reflected By The Moon…

  “As a boss, he’s pretty good. Even Bunta-kun is living his best life, right?” Suzu-san said. “And he’s not tried to exploit me, despite being able to order me around. I hate to say it, but I’m exceptionally cute, and I know all Japanese guys dream of having a top idol for their own!” she was indulging in her delusions. “Sure, ordinarily since he’s with the boss, I’d say he wouldn’t look at me, but… you’ve got quite the appetite, don’t you?” she wi me, tilting her head, her hair drills boung.

  “I’m not going to exploit my Vassals. Sure, I expect you to work with me, Suzu-san, but just like with Haru-san here, I’m going to support your dreams too. I pulled strings for yht? And Bunta-san has a job with the new branch of the Polider the Ministry.”

  “He is quite the coward. So long as he is safe uhe wing of someoronger, he is satisfied.” Arisu-san said, before turning her gaze on Suzu-san. “Suzanne-san, you should be more careful of what you speak. Some might take that as an invitation, and you only regret it when it is too te…”

  “No way!” I held my hands up. “We’re really getting off-topiow. All I’m asking is… Arisu-san, are you in? It’d be reassuring to have someone used to the media and with a bit of fame with me, as being the face of Japan sihe events in London has been nerve-wrag.”

  “And iurn, I will receive…? As you did all this…” she gestured to the evidence. “… simply for me, no?”

  She’s sharp. “Obviously the Gover will put you on the list of Chosen the Ministry will be openly supp. We do anticipate some pints about unfairness, but sidering we’ll be our own aid, it’s only right we get rewarded. As for me… I already io start improving your Territories. Obviously mine es first, Haru-san’s too, but after that…” It depends on how much we help Eleanor too, of course…

  “You will swallow ours up, no?” Arisu-san pointed out, correctly. “All the vast Tokyo will be your dominion.”

  “True, but I still have limits on what I do, I’ll be more than happy to shelter you all while you grow your owories. Suzu-san, as my vassal I’ll be prepared to help you, but your curreory is rather small, isn’t it?”

  “I’ve been more focussed on gathering my backup dancers. I don’t care about ruling the world, unless it’s as an idol!” she decred, ued.

  “I realised, even with my great talents, it would be difficult to rule alone.” Arisu-san said. “White… well, Red, I suppose, she vinced me I would be better served as part of a group of mutual i. Just like White would be, I too would have been offered a pce at her side, and power, long life… I suppose little has ged.”

  “Yes, you’re still at her side. Though I make no promises we’ll end up siding with Tan’s Pantheon. But power and long lives… still possible. I’m living proof of that. So, please tio take care of me, Arisu-san.” I bowed politely, and a faint smile crossed her face, as she picked up the dots.

  “Very well. I see no harm in looking…”

  ********

  “Damn, that was hard work.” I leaned ba my chair a out a relieved sigh. Arisu-san and Suzu-san had just left, leaving us alone in the meeting room. “What do you think, Haru-san?”

  “She was very thh.” She said tactfully. “Going through everything, making suggestions, deg that this won’t work and that would have more impact with the public. She’s certainly a natural. But that wasn’t your question, was it? She’ll do it. I could see the i and passion in her eyes. I think… I think she loved being an actress, pying a role. I think she does it even now. She has a deep well of anger and hurt inside her, and it’s all that has fuelled her until now. Otherwise…” Haru’s eyes were distant, sad. “…I think without her pride and her anger, she would have e all. I uand.”

  “I’m gd she didn’t. I think without a good friend who uood what she was going through, Shiro might have given up everything to Tan.” I said, truly grateful. “Besides, she’s scary as hell, but definitely fun to talk to. Her insights on showbusiness, as well as her knowledge of sd other subjects is deep. Though if it was the old me, I’d definitely be too scared to talk to her!” I ’t fet that the guy they called Daizen was effectively killed by her, even if Tan finished him off… she does have a brutal temper… It might be hypocrisy ign that, but there was barely a Chosen alive who hadn’t killed, if you included sapient dwellers in the Boundary, and Daizen was supposedly a threat.

  “I know, I feel the same way.” When she said that, I tilted my head, puzzled, and she waved her hands, flustered. “Oh, not about Arisugawa-san, though she is fearsome. I mean… look, your appearan TV ged everything. I…” she lowered her voice. “… I’ve been in touch with some of my old friends and co-workers.” As I looked at her sympathetically, she tinued.

  “Just via texts and emails, and a couple of phone calls. They were so nerve-wrag I thought I’d die. That’s not possible though.” Her lips quirked into a bitter smile. “At first they didn’t believe me, and some were quite nasty, saying I ulling a sick prank on them… but…”

  “Go on.” I reassured her. If it was anyone else I’d have probably tried to pat her head, but toug Haru-san in any intimate way was definitely unwise, with her past trauma.

  “Eventually most of them at least agreed to meet me. That’s thanks to you and Shaeu. Seeing that on the news, and what over has said… they at least have to eain the possibility I’m able to e back, or that there was a cover-up and I never even died in the first pce.”

  “That’s good. It’s happening faster thahought. You have your old life back, some of it, anyway.” I soled her, and she looked at me, her pallor worse than usual, looking sick.

  “I do want them back. I’ve made new friends now, mostly yirlfriends and some of the Fae, and I do want t back the others like me soon… but I want to be able to ugh and go drinking and talk fashion with my old friends again. But I’m not sure I have the ce. So…” she looked at me, expeg reje. “… will you e with me to meet them?”

  “All right.” I said, and Haru-san didn’t seem to hear, as she shook her head.

  “Of course, I see why you wouldn’t want to get… huh?” she stopped, her ears catg up with her brain. “You’ll e?”

  “Of course. Why wouldn’t I? You’ve done a lot for me, and still are. The least I do is repay the favour, just like I said to Arisu-san. Besides, we’re co-workers too here at the Ministry. It shouldn’t be strange ying along a new colleague to meet your old workmates.”

  “I… thank you.” She said, her smile turning genuine. “I thought if I asked you… you’ve been on TV, everyone is talking about you. They won’t be able to dismiss me.”

  “I doubt they could when you pass through solid objects if you want…” I ughed, and now the mood had eased, we chatted away until our meeting, when Tsumura Katsuro-san arrived, apanied by Lieutenant Nakano, who greeted us zily with a waved hand and a “Yo!” As easy-going as ever I see.

  “it’s been a while.” Nakano-san tinued. “You’ve been busy saving Princesses again it seems. Maybe I should call you Mario.”

  “Please don’t.” I groaned. “So, grandfather-in-w…” I addressed Tsumura-san. “… what’s this meeting about.”

  “A number of matters. Now that you are ba Japan after your stay in Britain, we start progressing things. The group of soldiers are waiting outside for their Chirurgery, so if you have time we would appreciate it.” He cracked a small smile. “I suspect you could use the payment, modest though it is, sidering your new home. Motoko is rather excited about staying there for half the week.”

  “Sure, I do that.” It shouldn’t take long. “So, what else?” Beside me Haru-san was ready to take notes, her professional face back.

  “A proposition.” Tsumura-san said. “The Prime Minister, along with Fujiwara-sama, has been sidering your future. It seems that your role as a military leader is only going to increase. A politi as well, but that is not my purview. Now, we are not saying you are suited to be a General, grandson-in-w.” Tsumura-san smiled, but his eyes were solemn. “A General sits back from the battlefield, making decisions, and I suspect that would not suit you. Your power and temperameo be suited for being ihick of things.”

  “Yeah, from what I’ve seen, I doubt you calmly make decisions that send people off to die without getting stu, man.” Nakano-san agreed. “Hey, I respect that, and so will your troops. But yeah, a General ’t afford to fall in battle or not be able to issue orders instantly. Instead, you’re more of a battlefield ander.”

  I ’t argue with that. That’s why I have those who lead, like Ulfurid the Elves. “Yes, I feel I’m best suited using my strength to win battles.”

  “Even in that case, having a thh uanding of and structures, the flow of battle, and a solid tactical and strategic background will signifitly improve your performance.” Grandfather-in-w tinued. “To that end…” Lieutenant Nakano was grinning at me, as if iserating me.

  “… We have decided it would be prudent to offer you a suite of training. Officer training, then Raraining, and onto SOG.”

  “SOG, that’s the Tokushusakusengun, right? Japae Special Forces. The ones I’ve already done Chirurgery on?” I asked, and they affirmed it. “I… that’s a lot of training, right? I don’t really have the time.” Not even using both bodies.

  “Ordinarily, perhaps not. But you hardly he physical ditioning and training to hone your body, do you? Some training with firearms, martial arts, improvised munitions and more might still be of use, but no, it is to train your mind, your perception and your battlefield instincts.” Tsumura-san insisted. “From what we have been told, you have entered a phase of your progress which will keep you busy for quite some time. Why not utilise this opportunity?”

  It's true we are in a Territory build phase which is going to st into early year at the quickest. But… “I don’t really want to be separated from Motoko and the others.” I said, and he ughed.

  “My Motoko will be delighted to hear it. You misuand. These courses will be accelerated, and other thaain trainis, where your survival skills and iy will be tested, you still return home most days. Trust me, this is an opportunity you will not wish to miss.”

  “And the old man here…” Nakano-san said irreverently. “… well, he wins to to e up with a curriculum for the SOG that meshes in their enhanced abilities is proving a problem. If they put you through your paces, then…”

  “That will be quite enough, Lieutenant.” Tsumura-san said mildly, but with a firm uone, and Nakano-san saluted.

  “Sorry sir, my big mouth always gets me into trouble.”

  I see. What to do? I definitely feel I’m g in managing the bigger picture. In Kyoto, both times, and in London, if I had better uanding of tactical and strategic objectives, I might have doer, suffered less setbacks and losses. But… “I’d o sult with a lot of people. My fiancées, my own army anders and more…”

  “That is fine. While there is a certain urgency, we have leeway still. Though… there was something else.” He said, his expression turning grave.

  As we fell into silence, only the sound of Haru-san’s pen and fingers oablet audible, I waited, until Tsumura-san finally let out a bitter sigh. “As you are aware, a tio act threateningly, restrig exports and moving their military in the disputed areas of the South a Sea. In addition, while we have weathered the storm from London and this group ious fanatics rgely without mut, due to the nature of our popution, and the enmity we already have for the ese atta Kyoto, our retions with our allies in the West, he USA, is strained.” He smiled then, nodding at me. “At least thanks to your efforts, our retionship with Britain is firm. But… we need more allies, especially in the region. Talks are progressing well with India, Indonesia, Australia… tries who are ed with what a could do. However…”

  “Not everyohinks us Japanese are such great people.” The Lieutenant snorted. “I’m a soldier, so it’s not up to me to talk abht and wrong, or what we did in the past, but a lot of tries around here hate us, not just the ese. But we need everyoo put together a united front.”

  I’m not sure where this is going? “Of course. Even from Tsukiko-san’s prophecies, and my knowledge of the Golden-Eyed Devourer, there’s no way we’ve see of them.” Yukiko-san is destio face it, I believe. Speaking of her, I really e a meetiween her and Eleanor. Having the Chosen Princesses of both tries w together will allow us a lot of leeway…

  “South Korea.” Tsumura-san said. “There have been rumours of trouble there, and it’s true. Now, our retions with South Korea hardly be called cordial, but we aren’t enemies. No, we have too much history between us for much warmth. But as a key pyer in the Pacific region, and an ally of the USA, we hem in our er.”

  “I’m listening.” I said.

  “Good. The trouble… it seems minor at first, but then with you Chosen, nothing is. There is a certain Private B School deep in the rural tryside of South Korea. It has quite the reputation for excellenow, schooling and schorly achievements in South Korea are even more fiercely coveted than here in Japan. So many intelligent, and oftehy children attend the school, including the children of a number e chaebol.”

  “You mean the massive glomerates run by powerful families?” Haru-san said, and Tsumura-san agreed.

  “I do, yes. Some would sider them the equivalent of the nobility of Japahey do not work together, or have a sense of unity as we do. But they still wield huge influence, with their substantial wealth. The rgest are not inferior to higher nobility in terms of power and reach, even if they ternational prestige and es.”

  “So, what happened?” I asked, and Tsumura-san tinued.

  “At first, it was simply sidered some sort of small discrepancy. The school is isoted, with few links to the outside, g phone servid only being supplied by a delivery pany, except during the holidays. When there was no tact for a while, it was dismissed. Until the delivery drivers vanished. Police were sent to iigate, and they too disappeared.”

  “Chosen are involved, you said?” I asked.

  “Yes, and we already know nothing is predictable when that happens. The military dispatched a small force to secure the school. Gently, very gently, as iial people were making a fuss. Well, it was their precious children and grandchildren after all. Nobody wants them injured or worse. But…”

  “But?” I asked, not expeg to like where this was going.

  “The soldiers didn’t just fail, many of them turraitor, and others went mad, fighting each other until their bodies broke apart. Quite horrific. Sihen, the South Korean gover has tried to keep the situation under s, but a number of chaebols tried to recim their own children by using meraries, even other Chosen they found and paid off. To little avail. Even some Chosen supposedly died or are now holed up in the school themselves, resisting.”

  “The army went in again several more times. Same result.” The lieutenant said, shaking his head. “They aren’t fools. They tried gassing the school, not lethal stuff, but tear gas, and then knockout gas, but it didn’t work.”

  “I bet a detly strong Chosen has the stats t it off.” I pointed out.

  “No kidding. And the soldiers they sent in ended up going mad or turning coat. There’s a veritable little army in there now.”

  “Hold on a minute.” Haru-san said, before looking down as everyouro her. “Uh… I am sorry for speaking out of turn, but this school is isoted, right? ’t they just cut the power lines, water and food? Starve them out? Even if they don’t, supplies will run out soon enough.”

  “True, but apparently there is enough emergency food to st a while, and some of the deserting soldiers sneaked out and hijacked lorries filled with food and other supplies before the area roperly locked down. It’s a siege. And worse, a siege with a great number of children, many of whom have powerful families.” Tsumura-san said. “If they die from starvatiohe Gover and the Army will face the wrath of those important, powerful and rich families.”

  “So, what do you wao do? Are we to go over and resolve it?” I asked, sidering.

  “No. If it was to be any attempt, it would just be you. We ot risk your rades falling victim to such brainwashing oing berserk. You are all to, it would intensify the situation. I have to ask, do you think you would fall under whatever influehese Chosen wield?”

  “It’s impossible to say for certain, but I have very stroal defences.” Spiritually Pure Physique, high Resiliend Determination, and some other ways to resist debuffs and curses. I’d say it would take a very powerful Chosen to do it, but there’s no guarahat there isn’t one… “I’d say I should be good, but there’s ainties.”

  “Just as we thought. And to be frank, losing you to secure the safety of fn citizens is not something I wish for, her as head of the Armed Forces, nor as a grandfather to Motoko. For now, the South Koreans aren’t enough bes. But as the situation worsens… already a number of powerful families have approached us, huge rewards if we save their children. Your fame after London is certainly spreading.”

  “Are they even still all alive? That seems doubtful.” I said, and at the look on their faces, I knew I was right.

  “Satellite surveilnce has seen a number of graves in the grounds, and spotters have seen some terrible things. It seems there are ts in opposition holding the school, though her seem ined to surrender. It is a bitter mess. And those caught in the middle have suffered. I only hope nothing liker that ever happens at Hanafubuki.”

  “It won’t. Miyu is there, and while she’s not a fighter, she’s had some training. And we’d rush to her aid in a heartbeat.”

  “How reassuring. Anyway, for now, all I ask is you think of how you might resolve this situation. Lieutenant, give him the files.”

  Nakano-san handed over a pile of dots. “Sucks to be the hero, man. There’s for them.”

  As I flicked through, student rosters, staff lists, details on the possible Chosen and miliary who have been usurped, site maps and more, Tsumura-san grinned. “If you were SOG trained, you might have an easier time of it, formuting a strategy. We’ve included their ideas as well.”

  “Trying to entice me to agree, I see.” I wi the footage of the mounds of earth in the school grounds, thinking of the school-age people I knew, like my sister, ending up in such a state. “They think sixty pert have already died? But this school was a b school of some size… that’s tragic.”

  “It is indeed. But losing you would be an even bigger tragedy. But if the rewards are great enough to justify the risk…”

  I nodded. As I tio s over the files, which also included offers of reward from the aforementioned chaebols, I grimaced. Shit, this is what happens when Chosen abuse their powers. Seems like even some kids the age of my sis and Eri hold off a damn army…

  ShipTeaser